Air Purifier VS Humidifier VS Dehumidifier: What’s The Differences
What Is The Differences Between Air Purifiers, Humidifiers, and Dehumidifiers?
3 different air cleaning devices with 3 different sets of functionality. An air purifier is a device that removes airborne contaminants to improve indoor air quality. A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity level in a room. Dehumidifier works the opposite by decreases humidity in a room. There are 4 common types of humidifiers in the market: Evaporative, Steam vaporizer/ Mist, Ultrasonic, and Impeller. As for a dehumidifier, there are Refrigeration, Absorption/ Electronic desiccant, Thermoelectric, and Ionic membrane.
Air Purifier VS Humidifier VS Dehumidifier
 Air Purifier |  Humidifier |  Dehumidifier |
| Dimension | ||
|---|---|---|
| Small to Large | Typically small | Small to Large |
| Filtration | ||
| Multi-stage | N/A | Single |
| Purify Air | ||
| Yes | No | No |
| Humidity Level | ||
| Not affected | Increase | Decrease |
| Variants (Types) | ||
| 7 | 4 | 4 |
| Maintenance | ||
| Quarterly to Annually | Regularly | Regularly |
| Noise Level | ||
| Soft to Loud | Soft to Normal | Average to Loud |
| Cost including Upkeeping | ||
| Highest | Cheapest | Average |
Which One Should You Go For: Air Purifier, Humidifier, or Dehumidifier?
In short, air purifiers clean air, humidifiers add moisture, and dehumidifiers remove moisture. These home devices can help you breathe better and sleep soundly at night through different means. If you have to pick one, an air purifier should be your top pick, as every home needs an air purifier. Cleaner air means better health and quality of life. It works best if you experience ANY allergic symptoms consistently. A humidifier is excellent if you feel the air is dry or is experiencing dry throat, dry cough, flaky skin, or sinus just after waking up. If your home is constantly infested with mold and mildew, dehumidifier it is. Remember, Summer air = high humidity, winter air = low humidity. The sweet spot for humidity level is between 30 to 50 percent. You need to figure out what is required and what works best to maintain a longevity clean air.
How About Air Purifier with Built-in Humidifier? Yay or Nay?
There is nothing wrong with an air purifier humidifier combination if it can deliver the “goods” (airflow output). You will use less electricity and have one less device to maintain. It’s not the best choice if you have a budget constraint. Also, most top models in the states are standalone units rather than a combo. If you don’t mind having two home appliances eating up your interior space, there is no difference in having both running simultaneously. Both air purifier and humidifier will complement each other existence well.
Here are some positive news from EPA. With more and more people living the American dream, the population has been steadily growing since 1970. Even better news, the six common emissions (PM2.5 and PM10, SO2, NOx, VOCs, CO, and Pb) are dropped by a whopping 74 percent in 2018. It is also reflected in the low 799 combined days reaching above Air Quality Index (AQI). Less than twice the year 2000 combined 2,076 unhealthy days. It is no rocket science that, when outdoor air is good, indoor air quality follows suit.
What is an Air Purifier and How It Works?
An air purifier works by pulling and trapping airborne irritants in the air into its multi-layer filtration. This includes dust, dust mite, pet dander, mold, pollen, mildew, bacteria, and viruses. An activated carbon filter can remove smoke from cigarettes, various odors, chemical fumes, and so much more. With all harmful particles trapped, the air purifier can circulate back clean air to the room. There are many different types of air purifier in the market, we always recommend people to go with a conventional HEPA air purifier. It is the safest, the most efficient, and proven on its reliability.
